Promising early signs to build on

Danny Lye says Ashford United’s pre-season build-up is continuing to go well.

The Homelands player-boss arranged a tough schedule to test his new-look squad and attract good gates.

The 2-2 draw against Maidstone United on Tuesday, followed the 3-0 win against Ramsgate on Saturday.

He said: “It was a good work-out against Maidstone.

“They included a mixture of first teamers and academy boys and it was a good performance. We kept our

‘It was a good performance, we kept our shape well’

shape well and stayed disciplined.

“It was disappointing not to win having been 2-0 up because it would have made us feel good about ourselves and everything is positive but as we didn’t, there are a few negatives as well.”

Lye, while expecting a few more, was still satisfied with the gate of more than 300 in the latest high profile pre-season game, designed to help boost his playing budget.

However, midfielder Darren Marsden won’t be rejoining United after playing in a couple of preseason friendlies.

Lye said: “Darren something we couldn’t offer

“I get on well with him but the figures didn’t work out and we couldn’t agree terms and he also didn’t really fit in with the system we wanted to play.”

The United boss admitted that youngster Luke Eldridge has done his chances no harm at all, with another two goals against Ramsgate.

Lye said: “He is certainly knocking on the door, and looks comfortable for a youngster who is just coming into the first team.”

United will open their Southern Counties East League Premier Division campaign with a trip to Beckenham Town on Saturday, August 13.

Canterbury City are the first visitors to Homelands, on Tuesday, August 16.

United entertain Kent County League neighbours Kennington on Saturday (3pm), with Lye set to include a mixture of first team and youngsters against the team managed by former player Dan Scorer. They host Hythe Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

The club hold a meeting at Sandyacres tonight (Thursday) (7pm) aimed at forming a committee to help produce more fundraising ideas. page 60. wanted